In early November, the USEF received inquiries from the New York Times regarding the use of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) to calm horses and ponies for competitive advantage.

Since then, the USEF has endeavored to provide the New York Times with all the facts on GABA and to outline the aggressive actions the Federation has undertaken to deal with this emerging issue and the threat it poses to the health and welfare of our equine partners.

You can read the USEF’s full response to the New York Times here.

IN 2013, the USEF will continue to address this issue through enhanced monitoring, testing, reporting and education. In the meantime, I invite and welcome your input and suggestions on how we can most effectively discourage and prevent the use of calming agents in our sport.

John Long, CEO
United States Equestrian Federation

- If you have input or suggestions, or questions about the prevention and use of claming agents, please send them to [email protected] -